Velfac UK - Case study: South Barn

The slim profiles and understated elegance of VELFAC 200 were perfectly suited to the light-touch approach of architect Studio Weave co-founder, Je Ahn, when renovating an old barn that was to become his family home.

 Je came across the barn, located close to Cowes in the north of the Isle of Wight, in 2021. A friend had recently bought the adjacent farmhouse, and Je saw the potential of the barn, which was also up for sale.

A light touch

Je adopted a light touch when renovating the barn into 172 square metres of single storey living space. “I adopted the design ethos of ‘don’t get rid of anything unless you have to,” explains Je. It’s an approach that has resulted in a simple living space where the raw materials – old and new – from which the barn is constructed, take centre stage.”

The large, open plan living area is flanked on the northeastern side by double-height VELFAC glazing that runs a third of the building’s length. As an architect, Je is familiar with VELFAC and knew the V200 system would be the perfect choice for the barn’s windows and doors. “The slim, clean profile of VELFAC 200 is discrete, so doesn’t interfere with either the view of the outside or with the original lines of the barn. This part of the barn was originally open, and we have been able to retain that effect thanks to the slim profile,” says Je.

The importance of window orientation in preventing solar gain

Such a large expanse of glazing could prove problematic on a southerly aspect. However, because the glazing faces northeast, solar gain was not a concern, “The only time we get a lot of sun through that side is on a winter’s morning, when the warmth from the sun can help to warm the interior”, explains Je.

The wind, however, was a concern, as it can blow quite strongly down that side of the barn. The opening mechanism of VELFAC 200 sliding doors was perfect this: it’s strong and secure, plus the door can opened fully or just a little to let air flow through.

Composite frames for a natural finish inside and hardwearing exterior

The natural warmth of clear-lacquered wood complements the pared-back look inside, while the external aluminium frames have an anodised finish that complements the external corrugated concrete facades, designed to replicate the barns old, corrugated zinc walls. For Je, the style, quality and longevity of VELFAC frames, combined with an attractive price point, makes them hard to beat.

 Light-filled bedrooms

The simple design approach is continued in the bedrooms. Instead of windows, each of the three bedrooms has a single sliding door that opens onto the garden outside. As well as letting in ample light, the doors provide a clean, no-fuss aesthetic.

A sense of the outdoors

As a two-time Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal winner in collaboration with garden designer Tom Massey – winning in 2024 with The WaterAid Garden, and again in 2025 with The Avanade Intelligent Garden – how the barn interacted with the outside space was an important consideration for Je.

The communal space, with its expanse of glazing, creates a sense of being outdoors, giving unobstructed views over the neighbouring farm buildings and the gardens, which Je has designed with Tom.

Quality of life

Despite not yet making South Barn his full-time home – the pull of London and work is currently too great – Je has noticed a significant improvement in the quality of life he and his family are able to enjoy when they are there. Je’s favourite space in the barn is a bench beneath a window from which he can enjoy views over the garden.

The right attitude

When tackling a renovation or self-build project, Je stresses the value of working with an architect you actually like: “Of course it’s important that the design is right, but it’s also important that your architect is someone you feel you could hang out with. Builds rarely go smoothly, it’s how you deal with any issues that counts.

 “This is much easier when you have trust and are prepared to work together to solve problems. Even though I was the architect of my own renovation, there were still challenges, not least because the work was being doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s always something, so you need to expect challenges along the way.”